South-of-campus rowdiness not in Chico State University Police's sphere

In this July 16, 2012 photo, University Police Chief Robyn Hearne looks around the tables at the Creekside Cafe, where a robbery and a stabbing took place over the weekend. (Ty Barbour/Staff File Photo)

CHICO -- A growing concern from the public about alcohol-fueled incidents south of the university has some people suggesting that Chico State University Police take initiative.

However, that is not up to the university police.

The terms of when the Chico Police Department and when the university police respond have been established for about seven years.

The two law enforcement agencies entered into an agreement after the hazing death of a fraternity member, said university Police Chief Robyn Hearne. The memorandum of understanding was developed to establish jurisdictional boundaries in 2006.

It was also established because of the Kristin Smart Campus Act of 1998, which states that the public must be provided with clear information about the operations and responsibilities of crimes happening on university campuses by having an agreement with local and campus law enforcement, according to the MOU.

The Joint Public Safety Agreement states Chico police will have primary jurisdiction for all law enforcement services within the city, while university police will be responsible for properties owned, leased, operated, controlled or administered by CSUC.

The most recent agreement, which commenced July 1, 2009, was signed by former city manager David Burkland, former chief of police Mike Maloney, Fire Chief James Beery, Chico State President Paul Zingg and former university chief of police Eric Reichel, according to the MOU.

The current agreement is valid until Dec. 31, 2014, at which time the city and the university will review it and can decide to continue, end it or make changes, Hearne said. So far, it has worked well.

Locations university police has jurisdiction over include the University Farm, University Village, and some properties on West Sacramento and Brice avenues, La Vista Way and Rio Chico Way, and Main, Orange, Warner, West Sixth and Cedar streets, according to the MOU. It also states university police will be the primary responders for fraternities and sororities associated with the university.

If a call for service comes in to university police from someone not in their jurisdiction, dispatch will transfer it to Chico police, and vice versa. However, there are exceptions when it comes to violent crimes and fires.

The city will have primary jurisdiction for all violent crime investigations, such as rape or homicide, and fire rescue services in Chico properties, including those owned, leased and operated by Chico State.

Services that both of the departments provide, even when crossing jurisdictions, are not subject to compensation.

The MOU clarifies responsibility, Hearne said. However, it also provides the departments with the legal ability to work together without jurisdictional issues.

University police can assist with anything Chico police may need help with on day-to-day incidents, Hearne said. University police officers are usually around the student-populated areas, and if needed they will go.

Last year, university police had more than 1,000 requests to assist Chico police, Hearne said.

For events like Halloween and Labor Day, the two departments communicate and work together, she said. Having the two police forces join efforts is imperative.

As far as responding to all south campus calls, it's not quite possible.

People need to realize that there are thousands of students who live in campus housing and it's the University Police Department's priority to keep them safe, Hearne said. That's the primary goal.